China’s program of jointly building jet fighters with Pakistan is running into design and other technical problems, according to Asian military sources. Islamabad turned to China for jets after the United States blocked the sale of additional F-16 jet fighters to Pakistan in 1989. They are now co-producing a third-generation fighter called the JF-17.

Pakistan has been flying JF-17s since 2007 and now has a fleet of around 60 jets, the first of an expected 250 fighters that will replace obsolete Mirage and F-7 Russian-design jets. According to the sources, the JF-17 is troubled with a number of design, operational and maintenance problems and limitations.

They include a weak wing design that resulted in the sudden in-flight breakup in November 2011 of the wing of a JF-17. An investigation concluded that the wing design was bad since it could support the weight of wing-mounted missiles and launchers. The wing problem was fixed, but current loads are limited to 1,000 pounds.

Also, based on the wing design problem, the jet’s maneuverability was downgraded, limiting flight characteristics.

Other problems include faulty computer software that freezes pilot command systems. The software has resulted in pilots being unable to launch missiles and bombs.

The jet also suffers from multiple engine problems because of its Russian RD-93 engine. The engine’s frequent breakdowns have resulted in lengthy delays for repairs.

Also, JF-17s are unable to conduct air-to-air refueling, severely limiting range. A retrofit of aerial refueling gear is being installed with the first two jets capable of in-flight refueling to be ready by the end of the year.

JF-17s also lack targeting pods, crucial for precision-strike capabilities for air-to-ground bombs and missiles. China and Turkey are currently studying adding the pods.

Also, JF-17s are unable to fly at night and can operate only in daylight or dusk operations, another severe limitation. The JF-17 also lacks airborne self-defense jammers, making the aircraft vulnerable to electronic warfare aircraft, and its radar lacks range in its look-down, shoot-down mode.

Cockpit displays also are outdated. They lack the helmet “heads up” display, and the friend-or-foe identification system has not met promised specifications.

According to one military source, “the current status of the JF-17 aircraft being jointly marketed by China and Pakistan does not in any way qualify to be a state-of-the-art aircraft and, more so, China has not inducted a single JF-17 in its inventory.”

Rick Fisher, a senior fellow at the International Assessment and Strategy Center, agreed that the jet has problems.

“Nobody will contest that the Chengdu JF-17/FC-1 is a work in progress and that it will evolve significantly over its service life,” said Mr. Fisher, aChina military expert.

Mr. Fisher said the Asian military assessment is interesting, but in the current global fighter market, the jet “offers the best performing fighter aircraft for the price” — around $25 million to $35 million per jet, or up to 33 percent less expensive than a new U.S. F-16.

“But its Chinese air-to-air and ground-attack weapons make it almost as capable as much more expensive Western and Russian aircraft,” he said.

1. How many F-16 Block 52 does PAF have.
2. How much TTSL life of the remaining F-16 A/B is left and does upgradation by the Turkey with upgrade kits, does the upgrade includes the Engines replacement. 3. With China being the primrary weapon supplier now, will Pakistan will go for more new F-16.
4. With SAAB now joining the KFX program, the technology will never the less will reach Pakistan via Turkey.

3. They wanted more F16 because they can leverage the US to fund arms by pointing to the war on terror.
The real threat to India however is anything they can get from China.

JF17 even if not very capable as a fighter itself, it basically gave PAF what LCA and MMRCA was meant to give IAF and India. A cost-effective low end fighter as the base, creating an indigenous aviation industry and adding new capabilities, that PAF lacked in the past, like BVR missiles, long range anti ship or A2G weapons.
Supported by Chinese AWACS and fully tanker compatible, it poses a larger threat to India than the limited F16's.
When a Mig 21 guided by MKI could make life difficult for an F15, guess what a JF17 with AWACS guidance can do? Tactics multiplies individual capabilities!

3. They wanted more F16 because they can leverage the US to fund arms by pointing to the war on terror.
The real threat to India however is anything they can get from China.

JF17 even if not very capable as a fighter itself, basically gave PAF what LCA and MMRCA was meant to give IAF and India. An cost-effective low end fighter as the base, creating an indigenous aviation industry and adding new capabilities, PAF lacked in the past, like BVR missiles, long range anti ship or A2G weapons.
Supported by Chinese AWACS and fully tanker compatible, it poses a larger threat to India than the limited F16's.
When a Mig 21 guided by MKI could make life difficult for an F15, guess what a JF17 with AWACS guidance can do? Tactics multiplies individual capabilities!

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Seems we need to deal with the PAF Awaacs first before en trying into their space. Thus so much love for the Meteors.

So what are the options we have to deal with the PAF's Awaacs both Swedish and Chinese.

Seems we need to deal with the PAF Awaacs first before en trying into their space. Thus so much love for the Meteors.

So what are the options we have to deal with the PAF's Awaacs both Swedish and Chinese.

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That's for sure and PAF already has ordered the next batch of AWACS, which puts them far ahead of IAF in this regard. Meteor is a good weapon, but PAF will not leave their high value assets unprotected. Any IAF fighter that wants to target them needs to enter their airspace, avoid air defence fighters, escorts and SAMs as well. The best counter to their AWACS capability is Pak Fa, since it's the only fighter that has a chance to get at least closer before detection and might have the performance fight even if outnumbered. A pre order of Pak Fa ahead of FGFA is even more crucial for the eastern front, where reports about PLAAF testing stealth fighters in Tibet are more than concerning!
And we have to get out cruise missiles ready, the more enemy air bases we can take out, the less fighters and AWACS can be deployed.

A tech Like AESA that to SABR Unless you Pay Bigger like India or Taiwan No chance And Congressional Approval too

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They will add it only when the requirement comes up and since the Block 52s are new, that's only a matter of concern in some years. Also the extended range of the radar, has only advantages, if the weapon fits to it. Even the current radar is more capable, than the missile they were allowed to use. Just as they can't get the full potential out of the JHMCS, because they are limited to AIM 9M. So radar and avionics were not the issue, but mainly EW and weapons that were limited. Which was good for us though.

Paistan Air Force pilot has been killed after his plane crashed due a technical fault during a routine operational flight in the country’s Punjab province, a statement said on Thursday.

The plane crashed in the Sabzazar area of Mianwali, some 350-kilometre from Lahore, on Tuesday.

According to a statement issued by the Air Force’s media wing, the pilot of the aircraft lost his life as he failed to eject at the time of the crash.

“Wing Commander Mohammad Shahzad was flying an F-7 aircraft when it encountered a technical fault and crashed near the Sabzazar area of Mianwali, some 350-km from Lahore, late on Tuesday,” it said.

“The body of the deceased pilot was recovered from the site of the incident and shifted to Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Base MM Alam, Mianwali, where the funeral prayers were also offered,” the statement said, adding that an investigation into the crash has been launched by the air force.

According to an eyewitness, the fighter jet crashed in a forest just after take-off from MM Alam airbase (Mianwali).

He said soon after the incident the air force personnel reached there and cordoned off the area.

According to reports, some 10 F-7PGs/FT-7PGs (aircraft) have crashed during the last 10 years or so.